Live commentary

Last Updated:
16/03/13 7:24pm

Manchester United move 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win which keeps managerless Reading in deep relegation trouble. A deflected, first-half Rooney goal secured the victory as Sir Alex Ferguson's side capitalised on Manchester City's loss at Everton earlier on Saturday. Defeat means there is no quick-fix for Reading following the controversial sacking of Brian McDermott in the week and they remain seven points from safety. Stay with us for all the post-match reaction.

Rooney smashes an effort just over the crossbar after being found on the edge of the box by a first-time lay-off from Welbeck, who had been fed in by Giggs. It is a nice move and Rooney's shot only just goes over the crossbar.

Shorey takes an inswinging corner with his left foot. Vidic takes a risk in knocking Mariappa to the floor with a push when competing for the header. Mariappa then has a follow-up effort which deflects for another corner.

Reading go long from kick-off and work the ball into the United left-back position. The visitors eventually win a corner. It is the first corner of the match.

WE'RE BACK: Reading get the second half under way.

Pretty uninspiring stuff but United are in front through Rooney's deflected goal. Reading looks short on confidence and have offered next to nothing as an attacking threat. Stay with us for the second half.

Buttner plays a very poor ball across his own goal. McAnuff collects and carries the ball to the edge of the box. But, under pressure from Giggs and Young, McAnuff scuffs his shot wide. He wants a free-kick but referee Mason is not interested. The rain is now very heavy at Old Trafford.

Giggs leads a United attack down the left before playing the ball to Welbeck, who attempted to return the pass to his team-mate with a backheel but the move breaks down. Giggs had run in a different direction.

Anderson runs with the ball to the edge of the Reading box before playing it out wide to the left to Welbeck, who has swapped flanks with Young. Welbeck's low cross is just taken off the toes of Van Persie in the six-yard area.

United can now keep the ball as much as they like and try and drag Reading out of position. The visitors had previously been very organised but now they have to chase the game.

Excellent play from Ferdinand, as he jinks forward with the ball and into the Reading half. The centre-back then plays the ball to Rooney, whose shot from the edge of the penalty area takes a huge deflection off Pearce to loop over Taylor.

Here come the teams. United and Reading emerge from the tunnel and kick-off is only a few minutes away.

Paul Macey says: "Cracking attacking line up! Be nice to see Wazza smash in in a hat-trick! 4.0"

Rowan Arnold says: "Got a feeling United are going to walk all over Reading today, Strong offensive team selection with Rooney looking to get his name back on the scoresheet and Van Persie well overdue a goal. I don't think we'll see much spirit in Reading today and with three of the biggest men at the back I expect another clean sheet for the red devils. 4-0."

Rooney has been involved in a Premier League goal (scoring or assisting) every 75 minutes this season, his best-ever rate in a league campaign. Van Persie's conversion rate in his past nine games is 5% (all comps), compared to 27% in the 28 games before that.

United have gone two games without a win following their UEFA Champions League defeat by Real Madrid and FA Cup draw with Chelsea and Ferguson has said his side have been suffering from fatigue. But they still only need 16 more points to win the title.

It seems certain there will be goals today. The two competitive games between Man United and Reading so far this season have produced a total of 10. Reading's only competitive win against Manchester United came back in 1927.

Morgan Roberts says: "I'm going for 5-0 United, with RVP and Rooney continuing their goalscoring form against Reading with a double each. Can't see anything other than a convincing win, however cruel on a Reading side who shouldn't really be managerless in my view. Come on United."

Reading caretaker manager Eamonn Dolan is of course in charge of the visitors today following the sacking of Brian McDermott earlier in the week? Can the Royals produce what would be a remarkable victory as they bid to escape relegation? Meanwhile, victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's United, who have a very attacking line-up today, would move them 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Adam Humphrey says: "I can see United wanting to bounce back after two games without a win. Little bit worried about Giggs in CM as it isn't his most effective position but I'm hoping for two or more goals from Van Persie in a big United win!"

Matty Read says: "I think United need to go into today's game showing why they are at the top and try to punish a possible 'hurt' Reading side. After City have slipped up today I think this game could be as important as any - 15 points could just be too much!"